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Coffee is one of the most commonly consumed beverages, all over the world. It wouldn’t be far-fetched if we say that it is a staple for a majority of this world. Well, it is definitely easy to get a coffee for yourself when you are at home. Now, imagine craving a coffee when outdoors and not being able to get one. Do not worry, we have you covered. Portable coffee makers come to your rescue!
Be it a road trip or a camping trip, we have you covered when it comes to coffees on the go. A portable coffee maker isn’t only suitable for someone outdoorsy, but also for those looking to save some money by avoiding coffee shops such as Starbucks, etc.
Keeping this in mind, we will share with everyone a list of the best portable coffee makers available on the market. Not only will they be useful because of their portability, but also because they will make you an amazing coffee as per your liking.
Before we get into which coffee maker is the best for you, let us first have a look at a few things we should keep in mind before selecting the right coffee maker for them.
Roundup of the Best Portable Coffee Makers
| Best Portable Espresso Maker for Camping | WACACO Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker |
| Best Portable Double Filter French Press | SterlingPro French Press Coffee Maker |
| Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker | Asobu Coldbrew Portable Cold Brew Coffee Maker |
| Best Portable Moka Pot Coffee Maker | Bialetti Express Moka Pot |
| Best Portable Single Cup Coffee Maker | Keurig K-Mini Plus Maker Single Serve |
| Best Portable Coffee Maker With LCD Display | Wirsh Single Serve Coffee Maker |
| Best Budget Portable Coffee Maker | Elite Gourmet EHC111A Maxi-Matic Personal 14oz Single-Serve Compact Coffee Maker Brewer |
| Best Portable Coffee Maker for Multiple Uses | Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker |
| Best Portable Coffee Maker for Group | Eureka! Camp Café 12 Cup Portable Camping Coffee Maker |
| Best Portable Coffee Maker for Gifting | Primula Coffee Brew Buddy Single Serve Coffee Maker |
Things You Should Consider While Looking for the Best Portable Coffee Makers
Type/Brewing Method
Yes, there isn’t any one type of coffee maker but a few of them are out there. The most commonly used coffee maker types are the following:
1. Pour Over Coffee Maker – This is the best option for long journeys. Pour-over coffee makers are mostly compact and lightweight. All you need is a few grams of coffee and you’re good to go. The main drawback, and an expected one, is that the brewing process takes a bit of time.
2. Espresso Maker – For the people that love their coffee dark, a portable espresso maker will give you just what you want. These machines apply pressure to your coffee beans. This allows the maximum flavor and oils to come out. Can’t ask for more, can we? Espresso makers are more expensive than other ones, and the best choice for a coffee connoisseur.
3. French Press – A French press coffee maker works by immersing all your coffee in hot water. This allows it to capture more of the natural flavor of the coffee. While the coffee tastes better, the brewing and cleaning processes take longer.
Portability
This one’s a no-brainer. The best travel coffee maker will be the one that can be easily carried around. Just having the word “portable” next to something doesn’t give you the whole picture. “What is the size of it?”, “How light does it weigh?” or “How easy is it to carry around?”. These are some important considerations when deciding how portable a product is.
Budget
As much as you love yourself some coffee, you have to decide how much you wish to spend. Coffee drinkers will find a variety of prices based on the size, material and especially the type of coffee maker they are looking for. For example, a plastic body coffee maker will definitely be cheaper than one made using stainless steel. Also, a pour-over coffee maker will be more budget-friendly than a coffee machine that gives you an espresso-style coffee.
Durability
Durability is very important for travel coffee makers. These coffee makers are subject to a lot of wear and tear as they are always with you on the go. Wouldn’t be the best feeling to be on the go and suddenly realize that your coffee companion has broken down.
It is advised that users go for coffee brewers made from reinforced materials such as aluminum, silicone, or hard plastics. A glass or tender metal coffee maker should be avoided.
Brewing Time
Coffee lovers want their coffee quick. It would suck if the coffee maker you choose to get brews your coffee after taking up a lot of time. It is best to get a coffee maker that can brew your coffee somewhere between 30 seconds and 6 minutes. Anything more than that should definitely be worth the wait, else it is pointless.
Volume Capacity
This is a tricky one. If you want a portable coffee brewer for more than 1 cup of coffee, you must realize that you’ll need a bigger-sized coffee maker. The more cups you need in one go, the bulkier the appliance will get. That means it becomes more difficult to carry around. So you either compromise on the ease of carrying around your coffee maker, or you simply make one cup at a time. The choice is yours!
Power/Battery Life
A portable coffee maker will be powered by something, most likely by a battery. You need to know how much is the life of your coffee maker’s battery. This will ensure that you don’t find yourself with the urge to have a delicious cup of hot coffee and not being able to have one due to lack of battery power.
Cleaning
Depending on your destination, the ease of cleanliness will make a difference. Hotels and homes have easy access to hot water. So if that’s where you’re headed, you can choose to go for a coffee maker that needs hot water for cleaning. If it’s camping or an outdoor adventure you’re headed for, a coffee maker that can be easily cleaned should be chosen over something that needs a more thorough cleaning.
Top 10 Portable Coffee Makers for Adventures, Campers, Hikers, and Travelers
Now let us take a look at the top 10 Portable Coffee Makers on the market for users to pick from. We have made sure to capture several different categories which will cover the majority of coffee drinkers.
WACACO Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker
Best Portable Espresso Maker for Camping
- Has a great tasting coffee
- Hand powered so no worry about battery
- Available in multiple colors
- Very easily cleaned
- Comes with a convenient carry case
- Extremely small and lightweight, easy to carry
- Heatsink pattern to save hands from burning
- Needs pumping – although easy, but manual
- Hot water (boiling) needed
- Works best with ground coffee
Espresso lovers will want their espresso, regardless of where they are at. This includes campsites as well. The best portable espresso maker for camping is the WACACO Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker.
This espresso maker is extremely convenient to have on yourself when you’re out on camping trips. This is due to a number of factors. Firstly, the size of the coffee maker is as huge as 6.14″(yes, sarcasm). It is so small and easy to carry that you will almost forget that you have it somewhere in your bag.
To add to that, the monster weighs merely 336 grams, which is very lightweight. Also, the coffee maker comes with a Nanopresso S-Case, made of durable EVA material and a soft fabric interior lining. All this combined makes it an excellent choice for carrying around.
Secondly, the WACACO Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker does not run on electricity or a battery. All you need to do is some hand-pumping action. This helps when you are without electricity during camping for more than a day or two.
The results of this hand-pumped espresso maker are incredible when it comes to taste as well as consistency. You will find yourself with a perfect espresso-like coffee with a dense and frothy cream layer on top.
Lastly, the water tank, as well as the detachable cup at the bottom of the Nanopresso, are made from heatsink material which ensures that regardless of the boiling water, your hands don’t burn. The water tank can hold up to 80ml of water at one time.
After every use, the cleaning of the coffee maker is very easy. All of this in tandem makes it a brilliant choice for espresso shots while camping.
To conclude, the WACACO Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker is extremely portable, easy to carry, can be used without needing electricity and is easy to clean. All of this shouts “Perfect at Camping” towards you. So for the campers out there seeking some delicious coffee, the WACACO Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker is the best choice there is.
SterlingPro French Press Coffee Maker
Best Portable Double Filter French Press
- Double layered stainless steel for insulation
- Double screen system to eliminate granules
- Very large capacity
- Available in 3 different sizes
- Very sturdy steel build
- Easily cleaned, dishwasher safe
- Bulky coffee maker
- Hot water needed
- Takes longer than a single filter to brew coffee
Not everyone is a fan of espressos. Some people love the amazing brews that come out of a french press. Sometimes, the problem with a french press is that you end up finding yourselves with some coffee granules in your delicious coffee. That can definitely be a major put off while enjoying your coffee. That is where double filter systems come in. The best portable double filter french press coffee maker is the SterlingPro French Press Coffee Maker.
Firstly, the SterlingPro is available in 3 different sizes, all rather sufficient i.e. 1L, 1.5L, and 1.75L. 1.75L is approximately 8 mugs of coffee. The body of the SterlingPro is made from stainless steel which not only keeps your coffee well insulated but also ensures that there is no rusting. The overall build is very sturdy! It has double-layered steel to keep the insides hot and to keep the outside cool to touch.
Secondly, the SterlingPro uses a double-screen filter system. The first screen brushes the wall evenly and tightly, like any other french press. But, the second screen acts as a filter for any tiny granules that might pass through the first filter. This ensures that your coffee is granule-free.
So pour your ground coffee, add hot water, wait for 4-5 minutes without pushing down the press. Once done, push your press and you’re ready with some great coffee.
Lastly, the design is ergonomic to safeguard your hands from burns. The French press can be easily washed and is also dishwasher safe.
To conclude, the SterlingPro French Press is the best one with a double filter system. Yes, it is a bit bulky for you to carry around easily but if you are packing bags, there shouldn’t be a problem finding space for this marvel. The SterlingPro is not only suitable for your coffee needs but can also be used to make tea, hot chocolate, cold brew, frothed milk, etc. Looking at the bigger picture, it is definitely value for money.
Asobu Coldbrew Portable Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker
- Available in multiple beautiful color variants
- Comes with spill-proof coffee mug
- Very portable and easy to carry
- Easy to use release button for coffee on the go
- Airtight and leak-proof, well-insulated
- Easily cleaned, dishwasher safe
- Needs 12-18 hours brewing time
Not everyone is a fan of hot coffee. Many people instead choose to go for cold brew coffees. It is believed that cold brew coffees have less acidity and there are less better or taste “sweeter”. Most portable coffee makers are for hot coffee but not all of them. The best portable cold brew coffee maker is the Asobu ColdBrew Portable Coffee Maker. Let us take a look at why!
These beautifully designed cold brew coffee makers come in 10 different color variants. Yes, you read that right, 10 different color variants. It has a beautiful look and is extremely easy to carry around. The Asobu ColdBrew consists of 2 parts mainly, the coffee brewer with the mesh, and a carry-around coffee travel mug that directly fits into the coffee maker.
All you need to do is pour some medium-coarse ground coffee into the mesh and add filtered water to it. Unlike your hot instant coffee brews, the cold brew will take up to 12 hours to brew properly.
Once done, all you have to do is press the release button in the middle of the Asobu ColdBrew, which will release the brewed coffee into the on-the-go mug. Add some ice or cold milk and you’re ready to have your cold brew.
To conclude, if brewing coffee that is cold and refreshing is your need, the Asobu Coldbrew is your coffee brew buddy. You can choose a metal look, a colorful look, or even a wood-finished look if that is what you want. Although this coffee will take time to brew, it will be worth the wait. The best thing to do is to leave it to brew at night and wake up to have a refreshing cup of cold-brewed coffee.
Bialetti Express Moka Pot
Best Portable Moka Pot Coffee Maker
- Available in many sizes – 1 cup to 18 cups
- Sturdy Aluminium build
- Velvety coffee texture
- Easy to clean, cool down first
- Value for money
- Takes less than 5 minutes to brew
- Need a stove top or fire to heat the coffee maker
- Moka pot gets hot, need to be careful
Moka coffee is something people love if they prefer their coffee hot. The best Moka pot coffee maker is the one by Bialetti Express. The classic octagon shape Moka coffee maker is a brilliant pick if that is what you’re seeking.
The build of the Bialetti Express is of high-quality polished aluminum. This means that the pot is very sturdy yet lightweight and can be used for a very long time. You can get variants as small as 1 cup capacity and as big as 18 cups capacity.
This easy-to-carry portable Moka coffee maker can be used for your camping trips as well. You would want your coffee grounds at the ready. Pour water into the lower boiler chamber of your Moka maker. Add your finely ground coffee into the coffee filter.
Once done, simply screw the collector chamber to your boiler and put your Moka pot on the stove and you’re done (can use a campfire but brew time can vary). In about 5 minutes, you will have your velvety, smooth coffee ready for you to taste.
To conclude, if it is rich velvety coffee you are looking for on a low budget, the Bialetti Express Moka Pot is just what you need. It is rather easy to brew coffee using this as long as you have a fire or a stove top to heat your pot. Although the pot comes with a handle, we would suggest being careful as this coffee pot gets hot easily besides the handle. Even for washing it, we recommend you wait for the pot to cool down first.
Keurig K-Mini Plus Maker Single Serve
Best Portable Single Cup Coffee Maker
- Available in multiple beautiful colors
- Amazing storage capability for k cups
- Removable reservoir for easy cleaning and refilling
- Removable drip tray to accommodate coffee mugs
- Takes less than 5 minutes to brew
- Has special “strong” coffee option
- Bulky in size
- Works using an electrical cord, not suitable for outdoors
Some coffee drinkers like to brew only their coffees. Selfish aren’t they? According to the National Coffee Association, almost 40% of people in the US own a single serve coffee maker. On a serious note, for people looking for a single-serve coffee brewer, the Keurig K-Mini Plus Maker Single Serve is the go-to choice. It is a great portable coffee maker but only if you plan on staying indoors. Let us take a look.
Firstly, available in 6 beautiful colors, the Keurig K-Mini Plus will be able to match any kitchen decor. The build of this coffee maker is high-grade plastic which is super sturdy and very easy on the eyes as well.
This can only be used using the power cord that it comes with. Yes, this means it is not suitable for the outdoors. But if you’re headed towards a vacation hotel, the Keurig K-Mini Plus will be a great travel buddy.
Secondly, it is extremely easy to brew coffee using the Keurig K-Mini Plus. All you need to do is will the water reservoir and place the K cups in the coffee slot (you can use your coffee with the K Cup Coffee Filter). The K Cup coffee pods have been designed to go with the Keurig K Mini Plus. Once done, just press the big button on top and your coffee will be ready in a few minutes. You can choose to make strong coffee using the “strong” button on top of the coffee maker.
Lastly, the cleaning of the Keurig K-Mini Plus is very easy. The water reservoir, the K Cup Filter (if used), and the drip tray can all be removed and cleaned individually. The removable drip tray also allows you to directly place flasks or coffee mugs under the coffee dripper.
To conclude, this is one of the best coffee makers to get you a fresh coffee to get your day started. Although it is a bulky machine and can only be used where there is an electrical socket, it is a brilliant choice for someone who wants a quick coffee, be it at home or while they are traveling and staying at a hotel.
Wirsh Single Serve Coffee Maker
Best Portable Coffee Maker With LCD Display
- Sturdy stainless steel body
- Easy to carry around design
- Has LCD screen with timer also
- Auto shut off option
- Comes with stainless steel insulated travel tumbler
- Measurable water tank to measure coffee strength
- Not compatible with K Cups
- Works using an electrical cord, not suitable for outdoors
Very similar to the Keurig K-Mini Plus, the Wirsh Coffee Maker is a single-serve coffee maker suitable for people living or traveling alone. What makes it stand out is the LC display and programmable timer that it has. It’s the best portable coffee maker with an LCD screen, let us see why.
The modus operandi is similar to the K-Mini Plus. The difference is that the Wirsh single cup coffee maker comes with an illuminated LCD display. It has a programmable 24-hour timer, which lets you make a preset for brewing coffee whenever you want, be it in your sleep or even as you just wake up.
Simply fill the 14oz water tank, pop the coffee grinds of your choice into the permanent filter and press the power on switch. After a few minutes, your delicious hot coffee will be dispensed into the stainless steel travel thermos for your convenience.
What gives the Keurig the edge is its compatibility with K Cups as well as any other coffee of your choice. But the Wirsh Coffee Makers takes back the baton with its LCD display with a programmable 24-hour timer. On the whole, the 2 single-serve coffee makers are very similar, but in the end, it’s a personal choice. The Wirsh Single Serve is also a more budget-friendly option.
Elite Gourmet EHC111A Maxi-Matic Personal 14oz Single-Serve Compact Coffee Maker Brewer
Best Budget Portable Coffee Maker
- Durable stainless steel body
- Portable sleek design
- Dishwasher safe and easy to clean
- Comes with stainless steel insulated travel tumbler
- Measurable water tank to measure coffee strength
- Removable filter and filter basket
- Extremely budget-friendly
- Not compatible with K Cups
- Works using an electrical cord, not suitable for outdoors
Similar to the previous 2 models we have discussed, Elite Gourmet EHC111A Maxi-Matic Personal Coffee Maker is a single-serve pour-over coffee maker. The only difference really is that this coffee maker is more budget-friendly than the other two models.
The low cost does not come free of cost though, it neither has an LCD display nor is it compatible with K Cups. Also, we feel that the body of the Elite Gourmet EHC111A, although steel, does not feel as solid as the Wirsh Single Serve. But, keeping that aside, the price at which it is available, the EHC111A sure is a steal. You can use your own ground coffee or readily available coffee pods to brew a great cup of coffee.
To conclude, the Elite Gourmet EHC111A is a budget-friendly alternate to more advanced pour-over coffee makers such as the Keurig and Wirsh single-serve coffee makers. It has the same modus operandi, is environment friendly, easy to clean, and very durable for the price at which it comes. All in all, it is value for money.
Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker
Best Portable Coffee Maker for Multiple Uses
- Extremely portable and easy to carry
- Very easy to use, convenient
- Can be used everywhere, indoors and outdoors
- Can achieve any consistency thanks to measurement marks
- Quick brewing time
- Great quality micro-filters
- Extremely budget-friendly
- Needs manual pressing
One of our favorite coffee-making products on the market is the Aeropress Coffee Maker. It is the best portable coffee maker for multiple uses. By this we mean you can brew yourself a regular coffee, a cold brew, or an espresso shot, whatever you want, wherever you want. Let us learn about this amazing coffee maker in detail.
Firstly, this baby may look petite but the plastic used to make the Aeropress is extremely durable. We don’t think you will need another for years if you get one. It is very lightweight and has a sleek design which makes it extremely easy to carry. You can take this to your camping trips, mountain hikes, or even use it at home.
Secondly, the Aeropress Coffee Maker is an extremely easy appliance for us. All you need are some coffee grinds and some boiling water and you’re good to go. No need for an electric socket or charger.
Simply place your coffee grounds over the micro paper filters, inside the Aeropress funnel. Pour hot water into the funnel. Wait for a couple of minutes and then simply use the Aeropress press to press down on the water, into the coffee mug or travel mug below. Ta-da, you are done!
Lastly, by changing the ratio of water and coffee, you can easily brew an espresso-style coffee for yourself. This is what makes it a nice choice over a french pressing alternate.
To conclude, this small package only looks small but offers extraordinary options. It is extremely necessary to have the right travel coffee maker on your road trip or camping trip. We firmly believe with everything that the Aeropress Coffee Maker offers and the price at which it comes, it is one of the best travel coffee makers available on the market!
Eureka! Camp Café 12 Cup Portable Camping Coffee Maker
Best Portable Coffee Maker for Group
- 12 cup coffee carafe
- Comes with a boiling kettle
- Storage is easy as all elements fit inside the kettle
- Constructed using hard-anodized aluminum
- A great choice for camping
- Easy to clean
- Need to pour water slowly to have enough for a group
- Need paper filters separately
Not everyone likes to drink coffee alone. Some coffee enthusiasts like to enjoy their coffee in a group. Especially on vacations, picnics and camping, you want to have a coffee maker that can set you up for a large group. The Eureka Camp Cafe 12 Cup Camping Coffee Maker will help you get the needful.
Firstly, the coffee maker includes a Camp Café kettle, lid, carafe, filter cone and a coffee scoop. The filters and the coffee need to be arranged separately.
The kettle and the carafe are made using hard-anodized aluminum and the lid and filter holder are made using food-grade, BPA-free polypropylene construction. This makes it both durable and safe for use by the customers.
Secondly, users can brew up to 12 cups of coffee in one go, although the coffee-making process itself is a little tiresome. You need to place a paper filter in the filter cone, pour your coffee grounds inside, and then pour hot water slowly and steadily till you get the desired amount of coffee you’re looking for.
Lastly, although the Eureka Camp Cafe 12 is slightly bulky, everything can be stored inside the kettle that comes with the brewer. This makes it very easy to carry around for camping trips!
To conclude, the Eureka Camp Cafe 12 is the best coffee maker for making coffee for a group of people. It is easy to carry, easy to store, and gives you a grit-free good coffee. Although the process is a little tedious, most coffee makers for such sizes cost more and are usually run using electricity. That is something you need not worry about with Camp Cafe 12!
Primula Coffee Brew Buddy Single Serve Coffee Maker
Best Portable Coffee Maker for Gifting
- Easiest to use coffee brewer
- Very lightweight and small in size, easy to carry
- Takes extremely less brew time
- Most budget friendly option
- Great choice for indoors and outdoors
- Easy to clean
- No cons as such
Thinking of gifting someone a coffee maker and not sure what they would like? Send a Primula Coffee Brew Buddy their way and they will be very thankful! Let us see why!
It is one of the easiest to use coffee brewers. All you need to do is get a coffee cup or a coffee mug, place your brew buddy on top of the cup, add the coffee grounds inside the brew buddy and pour boiling water inside the cup, through the brew buddy. Once done, let the coffee brew up to the strength of your desire.
The process is somewhat similar to using dip teas and coffees, letting the beverage brew to the consistency of your choice.
The extra-fine mesh filter ensures there is no residue or grit inside your coffee. It is extremely easy to wash as well and is also dishwasher safe.
To conclude, the Primula Coffee Brew Buddy is a great gift for friends and family, especially those who love a good cup of coffee! It will not hurt your pocket either as it is an extremely budget-friendly gift choice. The Brew Buddies are sold as a pair or as a single piece! It is one of the best travel coffee makers to have on yourself thanks to its size and weight.
Frequently Asked Questions About Portable Coffee Makers
Let us go through some frequently asked questions about portable coffee makers!
How to make coffee on the go?
You will find the answer to this question in the buying guide we have provided above. There are several different coffee-making options for the outdoors. From French Pressed coffee to Espresso style coffee, you can make any type of coffee on the go. All you need is the right coffee maker, coffee grounds, and access to boiling water.
Can I bring a French press on a plane?
As per the TSA (Travel Security Administration), users are allowed to carry their coffee makers on the planes, both in their carry-on bags and their checked bags. You need to make sure that all the cords are wrapped properly.
We recommend that you carry any coffee makers in your carry-on bags instead of your check-in bags. This is because most travel coffee makers are either fragile or expensive.
Final Words
Not everyone can afford a coffee from a coffee shop. Portable coffee makers are an amazing product for all coffee enthusiasts. If we had to pick one product from the list of all products that we have shared with you, we would recommend the Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker.
It does it all for you. You can use it at home or you can use it outside. You can get a cold brew, a normal brew, or an espresso-like coffee. We firmly believe it is the best travel coffee maker, keeping in mind its price as well as everything that it offers, combined with the ease of making coffee using it!
If you are a frequent traveler, make sure to check out our selection of the best camping tents as well!
For any questions, queries, or suggestions, feel free to let us know in the comments section below!